GOLD BEACH, Ore. — Twenty years ago this summer, Gold Beach High School held its first football camp. It was a simple affair, just a handful of teams. Two decades later, the camp has an impressive list of alumni.

“Members of my 2007 team trade emails and text messages with Matt Barkley,” said Gold Beach head coach Kevin Swift. “Thomas Tyner follows us on Twitter.”

So what is it about the small town of Gold Beach that attracts schools from the highest classifications in Oregon? For one, it’s an affordable camp, less than half of what some of the bigger camps charge per player. There’s also the ideal location.

“You’re going to see people camping on the hillside, overlooking the ocean,” said South Medford coach Bill Singler. “Where else can you do that in the country? Play football, camp out and look at the ocean.”

This year’s camp has nearly 30 teams spread out over two week-long sessions.